Thanks to Parks, the dog escaped unharmed, and Parks was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and cuts on her hand.

Firefighters said the fire was likely caused by a faulty wall plug.

On Thursday, Parks sifted through blackened ashes only to discover that almost everything she and her daughter owned was gone.

Losing your home and possessions is difficult for anyone to experience. But Parks is also in the midst of chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with terminal cancer last month, friends said.

Doctors told the 47-year-old woman that she had six months to live if she did not get treatment, and would likely live for six more years with treatment.

"I'm trying to accept what's happened and start a new beginning," Parks said while searching the charred remains of her apartment for her great-grandmother's jewelry and her own wedding ring so she could pass it on to her daughter.

"I'm struggling with cancer, I've been given a certain time to live, and I'm homeless. But I'm grateful because I am alive and it's a beautiful day. God's given me that, so I am blessed," Parks said Thursday.

If you would like to help Parks, The Breakfast Club restaurant in Seaside is collecting monetary donations at 1130 Fremont Blvd., #201.